That knee injury was a very big blow for Kevin Strootman, who missed out on the World Cup as wel as the Serie A run-in with Roma. The Giallorossi are keen on keeping him ahead of a Champions League campaign so selling him over the summer would be extremely strange and surprising.

January would be a totally different opportunity, however, depending on how Roma get on in both Europe and Serie A.

But manager Louis van Gaal remains keen on bringing Strootman to Old Trafford at the earlies opportunity, despite the fact that the 24-year-old is currently recovering from a serious knee injury.

He was forced to miss out on this summer's World Cup in Brazil with Oranje after being sidelined with a knee injury that could disrupt the start of his season.

But it has not detered United's interest in signing him, with a January bid most likely to allow Strootman time to complete his rehabilitation. Should a summer bid become necessary to securing a deal, however, Van Gaal is open to making his move more quickly.